Matthew Upson

KUMB Awards: Player of the Year (runner up) 2008/09, (third place) 2007/08; Most Improved Player (third place) 2007/08; Worst Signing 2006/07; Worst Player of the Year 2010/11.

Matthew Upson finally joined the Hammers four years after he was first linked with the club during the reign of Glenn Roeder.

He became Alan Curbishley's sixth and final signing of the January 2007 transfer window, moving to East London for a £6m switch (with a further £1.5m to follow depending upon appearances) from Championship outfit Birmingham City - much to the chagrin of Blues manager Steve Bruce who was hugely disappointed that his board sold the player against his wishes.

Upson began his career with Luton Town before he moved to Arsenal in a £2m deal in 1997. After making just 28 starts in six years he left the Gunners to join Birmingham City for a giveaway £1m.

Upson so impressed during his first year in the Midlands that he was called up for England the following year, and he went on to represent his country seven times before Birmingham were relegated to the Championship at the end of the 2005/06 season.

After bids of £4m and £6m were rejected by the Blues, Alan Curbishley finally got his man at the third time of asking on transfer deadline day.

2017/18 Match Notes & Ratings

Matthew Upson is yet to play this season.

2016/17 Match Notes & Ratings

Matthew Upson is yet to play this season.

2015/16 Match Notes & Ratings

Matthew Upson is yet to play this season.

2014/15 Match Notes & Ratings

Matthew Upson is yet to play this season.

2013/14 Match Notes & Ratings

Matthew Upson is yet to play this season.

2012/13 Match Notes & Ratings

Matthew Upson is yet to play this season.

2011/12 Match Notes & Ratings

Matthew Upson is yet to play this season.

2010/11 Match Notes & Ratings

1-2 v Manchester City (a) 23rd April 2011 by Staff WriterSo Captain Fantastic suffers another 'injury.' While I didn't fully see what happened, I fail to see how he can be running the pitch one minute and running off when he is substituted while he is 'injured'.

0-0 v Tottenham Hotspur (a) 19th March 2011 by Gordon ThrowerAnother immense performance from the skipper. Always seemed to be there or thereabouts when a block was needed.

1-2 v Stoke City (a) 13th March 2011 by Staff WriterOkay, he was clearly fouled for the first goal - but should a player with Upson's experience allow himself to be shoved aside?

3-0 v Stoke City (h) 5th March 2011 by Gordon ThrowerWas it the same medic who said who said he was out for the season that did Ba’s up at Stoke? Kept the forward line quiet and one tackle in the second half was so well-timed they re-adjusted Big Ben as a result.

3-1 v Liverpool (h) 27th February 2011 by Gordon ThrowerIf that’s him playing with injury let’s give him a good kicking! An excellent performance with the bonus of the fact that Tomkins always seems more comfortable alongside him.

0-1 v Birmingham City (h) 6th February 2011 by Gordon ThrowerWas coping well with Zigic until his injury time-bomb finally exploded.

1-3 v Birmingham City (a) 26th January 2011 by Staff WriterComments to follow.

2-2 v Birmingham City (a) 6th November 2010 by Staff WriterComments to follow.

1-2 v Newcastle United (h) 23rd October 2010 by Gordon ThrowerWas having a torrid time which got worse with his withdrawal through injury.

1-1 v Fulham (h) 2nd October 2010 by Gordon ThrowerWe were debating the destination of the MOTM award post-match. Upson got my vote but it was a close run thing.

1-0 v Tottenham Hotspur (h) 26th September 2010 by East Stand MartinBenefits immesurably from having a strong partner alongside him. Like Da Costa. I believe that Grant may have, at last, settled upon our best central defensive pairing.

1-0 v Tottenham Hotspur (h) 26th September 2010 by Gordon ThrowerBenefits immesurably from having a strong partner alongside him. Like Da Costa. I believe that Grant may have, at last, settled upon our best central defensive pairing.

1-1 v Stoke City (a) 18th September 2010 by Staff WriterLooked solid, stood up well to Jones and never really made any errors. Showed some decent leadership qualities and looked comfortable next to Da Costa.

1-3 v Chelsea (h) 11th September 2010 by Gordon ThrowerHis horrible panicky clearance was partly responsible for the horror goal. Still it makes a change for him to actually be genuinely responsible for a goal with Terry on the pitch.

0-3 v Manchester United (a) 28th August 2010 by Staff WriterAlright. Fell apart for the second goal. Certainly not a leader or worthy captain.

1-3 v Bolton Wanderers (h) 21st August 2010 by Gordon ThrowerWas coping well with Davies' arm until he got that kick in the face which didn't happen and therefore couldn't possibly have broken his nose.

0-3 v Aston Villa (a) 14th August 2010 by Staff WriterBooed like Green, and also looked edgy and nervous.

2009/10 Match Notes & Ratings

1-1 v Manchester City (h) 9th May 2010 by Gordon ThrowerA couple of well-timed tackles, not much else to report.

2-3 v Fulham (a) 3rd May 2010 by Gordon ThrowerI have a vague memory of him putting a first half header over. There again most of my memories of this match are vague.

3-2 v Wigan Athletic (h) 24th April 2010 by Gordon ThrowerDecent match. Seen geeing everyone up with clenched fists a-plenty throughout the game. Has he finally worked out what that armband is for?

1-0 v Sunderland (h) 10th April 2010 by Gordon ThrowerKept Bent quiet for the most part.

2-2 v Everton (a) 1st April 2010 by Staff WriterPlaying with a little more fire his belly - but should have been tighter to his man for both goals.

0-1 v Stoke City (h) 27th March 2010 by East Stand MartinBack to his best, a complete contrast to recent outings. Almost entirely unbeaten in the air (even if he was mugged for the goal).

1-3 v Wolverhampton Wanderers (h) 23rd March 2010 by Rob ChapmanDifficult to see what he actually does to justify the symbolic armband. A long way from the beating heart of the team that West Ham expects of its captain, and a pretty lamentable performance in general.

1-3 v Wolverhampton Wanderers (h) 23rd March 2010 by East Stand MartinFailed to win a single header in the opening twenty minutes and failed to have a quiet word with Tomkins when his mistake led to the first goal. Not a captain's performance.

1-2 v Bolton Wanderers (h) 6th March 2010 by Gordon ThrowerBetter than Tomkins – but not by much.

0-3 v Manchester United (a) 23rd February 2010 by Staff WriterAnother disappointing performance from the club captain who should have scored late on and was guilty of playing Owen onside for the final goal.

3-0 v Hull City (h) 21st February 2010 by Daniel PrescottSolid display from the England centre back who is starting to find some form again after a few sloppy displays.

3-0 v Hull City (h) 21st February 2010 by East Stand MartinThe better of the centre backs on the day.

3-0 v Hull City (h) 21st February 2010 by Gordon ThrowerThe better of the centre backs on the day.

2-0 v Birmingham City (h) 10th February 2010 by Gordon ThrowerLooked much the steadier of the two centre halves on the night.

1-2 v Burnley (a) 6th February 2010 by Rob ChapmanPrincipally at fault for the monumental cock-up that resulted in Burnley’s first goal. Apart from that, looked assured and comfortable, but it’s the one moment of madness amidst the 90 minutes that ends up costing you a game.

0-0 v Blackburn Rovers (h) 30th January 2010 by Gordon ThrowerMarshalled Kalinic well while he was on the pitch.

2008/09 Match Notes & Ratings

0-3 v Liverpool (h) 9th May 2009 by Gordon ThrowerAccording to the ladies I sit near, the highlight of his match was his having to change shorts. Me? Having my view of the incident blocked by Ges Steinbergs was slightly the lesser of two evils.

1-0 v Stoke City (a) 2nd May 2009 by Gordon ThrowerFine performance. He clearly loved every minute of the battle.

0-1 v Chelsea (h) 25th April 2009 by Gordon ThrowerGenerally ok though one slip might have let Anelka in during the second half.

2-0 v Sunderland (h) 4th April 2009 by Gordon ThrowerAnother good performance from the England man and another who could have got his name on the sheet.

0-0 v West Bromwich Albion (h) 16th March 2009 by Gordon ThrowerWas doing ok until the calf gave out.

0-0 v West Bromwich Albion (h) 16th March 2009 by John SimkinWas not really troubled before he was stretchered off after landing awkwardly in the 29th minute.

1-0 v Manchester City (h) 21st February 2009 by Gordon ThrowerFine game. Some decent defensive headers at the end.

2-3 v West Bromwich Albion (a) 13th September 2008 by East Stand MartinHalf-asleep for the opening goal and too slow to catch Brunt for the match-winner.

4-1 v Blackburn Rovers (h) 30th August 2008 by East Stand MartinStrong and unforgiving - and needs to stay fit.

4-1 v Blackburn Rovers (h) 30th August 2008 by Gordon ThrowerA good solid performance that’ll see him have a nice holiday in Barcelona and Zagreb whilst the inferior Terry will somehow be skippering the national side.

4-1 v Macclesfield Town (h) 27th August 2008 by Graeme HowlettHis distribution was poor in the first 15 minutes but solid thereafter.

0-3 v Manchester City (a) 24th August 2008 by Gordon ThrowerBattled well but clearances from crosses on our right left a lot to be desired – see first goal for details.

0-3 v Manchester City (a) 24th August 2008 by Alex ShillingSeemed pretty solid in the first half, less so second half. Poor performance by full-backs let whole defence down.

2-1 v Wigan Athletic (h) 16th August 2008 by Nick BullExcellent and I make him MOTM for his calmness under the aerial onslaught.

2-1 v Wigan Athletic (h) 16th August 2008 by East Stand MartinExcellent and I make him MOTM for his calmness under the aerial onslaught.

2-1 v Wigan Athletic (h) 16th August 2008 by Gordon ThrowerExcellent and I make him MOTM for his calmness under the aerial onslaught.

2-1 v Wigan Athletic (h) 16th August 2008 by Alex ShillingSolid. All that needs to be said really. As with Green, dealt with almost everything that was thrown at him.

2007/08 Match Notes & Ratings

0-4 v Chelsea (h) 1st March 2008 by Gordon ThrowerA rare off day – though he dealt with Anelka quite well at times generally reducing the sulk to throwing himself to the floor at every challenge.

1-0 v Fulham (a) 23rd February 2008 by Gordon ThrowerTried to bring the ball out of defence whenever he could. One dodgy moment as mentioned above.

1-1 v Birmingham City (h) 9th February 2008 by East Stand MartinGot caught a bit too tight on Forssell the one time the striker didn’t dive but otherwise another good run-out.

1-1 v Birmingham City (h) 9th February 2008 by Gordon ThrowerGot caught a bit too tight on Forssell the one time the striker didn’t dive but otherwise another good run-out.

1-0 v Wigan Athletic (a) 2nd February 2008 by Gordon ThrowerDid ok against the donkey-like Heskey, though again some uncertain distribution.

0-1 v Manchester City (a) 16th January 2008 by Jacob SteinbergThe same applies as Ferdinand, the pair of them capable of forging a really strong partnership if injuries allow it to happen.

2-1 v Fulham (h) 12th January 2008 by Gordon ThrowerSkipper for the day he turned in his usual dependable performance – after a shaky start.

0-0 v Manchester City (h) 5th January 2008 by Jacob SteinbergAfter a poor game at Arsenal, he showed his true colours yesterday.

0-0 v Manchester City (h) 5th January 2008 by Gordon ThrowerRarely beaten in the air and laid off some nice oases with his head.

0-2 v Arsenal (a) 1st January 2008 by Gordon ThrowerNot as assured as of late – probably a function of having to cope with yet another change of partner at the back. Caught out for the first goal especially.

2-1 v Manchester United (h) 29th December 2007 by East Stand MartinAnother stormer from the defender who couldn’t get out of bed without injuring himself eleven months ago. If anyone deserved a goal it was him.

2-1 v Manchester United (h) 29th December 2007 by Gordon ThrowerAnother stormer from the defender who couldn’t get out of bed without injuring himself eleven months ago. If anyone deserved a goal it was him.

2-1 v Manchester United (h) 29th December 2007 by Jacob SteinbergHis first goal for the club, and what a time to get it. More importantly he was again outstanding at the back- against the best attack in the country.

1-1 v Reading (h) 26th December 2007 by Jacob SteinbergAs a defender he is hard to beat thanks to his anticipation, but the long punts up field can become frustrating.

0-2 v Everton (h) 15th December 2007 by Jacob SteinbergGuilty too often of the long ball syndrome, but perhaps can be excused due to lack of options. However losing Yakubu in the box was inexcusable, as was his part in the second goal.

0-2 v Everton (h) 15th December 2007 by Gordon ThrowerNot his usual steady self. A few headers went astray and he clearly misses Gabbidon – can you see the theme developing here?

0-1 v Chelsea (a) 1st December 2007 by Gordon ThrowerAlso outstanding. Kept Drogba pretty quiet and I think he just shaded Gabbidon for MOTM for me but it was a damned close thing.

1-1 v Tottenham Hotspur (h) 24th November 2007 by Gordon ThrowerExcellent. Won a lot in the air and got in some timely interceptions. I’d give him MOTM myself.

5-0 v Derby County (a) 10th November 2007 by Gordon ThrowerStrong at the back and was unlucky not to score when he probably caught Solano’s corner a bit too well. Is it me or with that beard does he look like David Cross from a distance?

5-0 v Derby County (a) 10th November 2007 by East Stand MartinStrong at the back and was unlucky not to score when he probably caught Solano’s corner a bit too well. Is it me or with that beard does he look like David Cross from a distance?

1-1 v Bolton Wanderers (h) 4th November 2007 by Graeme HowlettWas involved in the goal but still looks occasionally suspect against a big striker.

2-1 v Coventry City (a) 30th October 2007 by Graeme HowlettDealt with the long balls well. Another competent performance.

0-1 v Aston Villa (a) 6th October 2007 by Alex ShillingDealt with most things well, but was occasionally beaten to the ball by smaller players. Needs to work hard in training this week.

0-1 v Aston Villa (a) 6th October 2007 by East Stand MartinOne of his best performances of the season so far.

0-1 v Arsenal (h) 28th September 2007 by Josh TappinSome good headers but still uses his big toe for forward balls.

3-0 v Middlesbrough (h) 15th September 2007 by Gordon ThrowerClearly not quite at ease in the absence of Ferdinand with whom he has been developing a decent partnership.

3-0 v Reading (a) 1st September 2007 by Jacob SteinbergRarely troubled on the ground, but Doyle is not an easy striker to contend with. Upson thrived on the challenge.

3-0 v Reading (a) 1st September 2007 by East Stand MartinIs this a defensive partnership I see developing before me? Hope so. Won some important headers.

3-0 v Reading (a) 1st September 2007 by Gordon ThrowerIs this a defensive partnership I see developing before me? Hope so. Won some important headers.

1-1 v Wigan Athletic (h) 25th August 2007 by East Stand MartinHad a hard time on occasion against Agahowa having had a nice stroll in the sun alongside Sibierski.

1-1 v Wigan Athletic (h) 25th August 2007 by Gordon ThrowerHad a hard time on occasion against Agahowa having had a nice stroll in the sun alongside Sibierski.

1-1 v Wigan Athletic (h) 25th August 2007 by Jacob SteinbergUnconvinced? I suspect we all are. Fine if the ball is in the air but less confident when faced with pace.

1-0 v Birmingham City (a) 18th August 2007 by East Stand MartinSolid enough but distribution was a bit suspect on a day when the passing was much improved.

1-0 v Birmingham City (a) 18th August 2007 by Gordon ThrowerSolid enough but distribution was a bit suspect on a day when the passing was much improved.

0-2 v Manchester City (h) 11th August 2007 by East Stand MartinThe total lack of challenge for the first goal was par for the course. Won a few headers that invariably landed at the feet of the opposition.

0-2 v Manchester City (h) 11th August 2007 by Jacob SteinbergWorryingly slow, couldn't handle Bianchi and is another who cannot pass the ball.

0-2 v Manchester City (h) 11th August 2007 by Gordon ThrowerThe total lack of challenge for the first goal was par for the course. Won a few headers that invariably landed at the feet of the opposition.

2006/07 Match Notes & Ratings

3-4 v Tottenham Hotspur (h) 4th March 2007 by East Stand MartinAnother Neill attempt at a second debut. Looking forward to see him play for a full half.